Life in Worcester

Worcester, New England’s second largest city, has all the resources one needs to enjoy a comfortable and interesting life during graduate study.

Among the city’s treasures are the Worcester Art Museum, displaying world-class collections spanning 50 centuries; the Higgins Armory Museum, the only museum in the Western Hemisphere to display such a variety of arms and armory; and the Ecotarium, a regional resource for learning about the natural world.

For entertainment, Worcester boasts the beautifully restored Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts with Broadway tours, nationally recognized performers, and family shows gracing the stage; the historic and acoustically superior Mechanics Hall, site of classical music and opera performances; and the DCU Center, one of the country’s most successful arenas for top-draw rock concerts, sports and family entertainment events.

For sports enthusiasts, Worcester is the home to minor league baseball, Worcester Tornadoes, and hockey, Worcester Sharks, in addition to the athletic teams of several area colleges.

A wide variety of ethnic restaurants satisfy every taste in Worcester, as do eclectic cafes (Worcester has more diners per capita than any other place in New England) and nightclubs featuring live music. The Shrewsbury Street area and the Canal District are two locations within the city most widely-noted for their assortment of fine dining.

For the outdoor enthusiast, central Massachusetts has much to offer with over 30 state parks, forests, recreation areas, trails, reservoirs and reservations; including Wachusett Mountain State Reservation which offers hiking, biking, skiing and snowboarding for all abilities.

In addition, Worcester’s central location within New England makes it ideal for visits to nearby attractions, including Cape Cod, a 90-minute drive southeast; Newport, Rhode Island, a 75-minute drive south; and Boston, a 45-minute drive east. The majestic mountains and pristine lakes of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont are also nearby and accessible for day trips.